Man Gets Six-Year Prison Sentence for Stealing Pair of Socks

A lot of people like to complain about how the criminal justice system is "broken," and it is a safe bet that forty-six year-old Dung Hoang Duong of Orange County, California is one of those people now that he has been sentenced to serve a six-year prison sentence for shoplifting a solitary pair of socks valued at approximately $5.00. Mr. Duong was apparently spotted by a security guard stuffing the socks into his pants and then trying to leave the store, leading to his arrest. Duong tried to appeal the conviction but had no luck, and is stuck with his six-year shoplifting sentence.

The sentence, which by any standard seems far too severe for the crime alleged, was apparently predicated on the fact that Mr. Duong had two previous strikes against him by virtue of having on his record two prior theft convictions. Nevertheless, the fact remains that a man tried to steal a five dollar pair of socks and ended up serving more time than most individuals that assault their spouses, individuals who are convicted of a fourth, fifth, or sixth offense DUI, and many individuals who burglarize homes or rob banks. Mr. Duong had the unfortunate luck of getting in front of a judge who was seemingly determined to make an example of him regardless of the circumstances of the offense itself.

Do not let the criminal justice system make an example out of you. A skilled criminal defense attorney can assist you in receiving a sentence or accepting a plea agreement that is fair under the circumstances of your case and help protect you from the whims of those who would seek to do you injustice. Contact an East Tennessee criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case.